Why Join GMB?

A Safer Workplace
Non-union members are twice as likely to have an accident at work compared to members in workplaces where trade unions are present. Injury rates are higher in workplaces where management deal with health and safety issues without consulting workers’ representatives such as trade union safety reps.

Job Security
Non-union members are twice as likely to be sacked as members.

Better Pay
Workers who belong to a trade union are paid about 8% more than non union workers in comparable jobs.

Brighter Prospects
Workers in unionised workplaces are more likely to receive job related training than their counterparts in non-union workplaces. GMB has thousands of Learning Representatives who can unlock the door to education for you – whether it’s training to get more pay, a better job or just learning something that is of personal interest to you.

Better and Safer Pensions
Trade unions have won better occupational pensions for part-time workers and we have forced the Government to set up a pension protection fund which means if your pension scheme goes bust you are fully protected.

Family Friendly Issues
Women in unionised workplaces are better off in terms of career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and support for family responsibilities than women in non-union workplaces. GMB members can take advantage of the major roll out of family friendly policies, including childcare schemes such as Sure Start and the Extended Childcare Scheme for Lone Parents, and maternity and paternity rights.

More Say at Work
People working in unionised workplaces are twice as likely to have a say through consultative committees as people in non-union workplaces. Regular meetings with management are more likely where unions are present and GMB will be working hard to ensure that employers comply with laws on information and consultation which mean you get a say in your workplace.

Equality
Equality is always high on the GMB agenda and following years of campaigning in this area recognised workplaces are now 20% more likely to have an equal opportunities policy.

Legal Compensation
With years of experience, professionally trained and motivated representatives, staff and solicitors, you are in good hands. GMB legal services recover millions of pounds each year for members and their families – without members paying a penny more than their monthly contributions.

A Strong Political Voice
GMB, working with other unions, has won 56 new commitments out of the previous Labour Government, including the right to five weeks paid holiday each year, excluding bank holidays, greater pension protection, the extension of protection pay and conditions in public services, and a procurement policy that will safeguard jobs and skills in manufacturing.

Collective Strength
On our own we can feel weak and that any change is impossible. As part of GMB you are part of a strong, campaigning union committed to winning for our members. Together we have the strength to make our lives better – together we cannot be left isolated.